Horizon Europe negotiations conclude

Negotiations have concluded on between Australia’s Chief Negotiator for Horizon Europe and their European Union counterpart, putting Australia on track to access the world’s largest pooled research funding program for 2027. Once associated, Australian researchers and entities will be able to access Horizon Europe funding to help tackle the most complex global challenges.

With a budget of approximately AU$155 billion (€95.5 billion) for the 2021–2027 program, Framework Program 9, the large funding pool attracts talented researchers and allows research projects at a scale that, the Department of Industry, Science and Resources said, would be difficult for Australia to achieve alone.

“This is a significant step in positioning Australia at the forefront of global research and development,” Australia’s Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science, Tim Ayres, said.

“Horizon Europe will connect Australian researchers to the biggest multilateral research program in the world, spanning clean energy, critical minerals, digital technology and AI, and advanced manufacturing.

“The Ambitious Australia report made it clear that Australia must maximise the value of every dollar spent on research and development. Association to Horizon Europe will turbocharge our efforts to make our economy more productive and innovative.

“I would like to thank the Group of Eight universities for their support of Australia’s association. This reflects the strong sector backing for Australia’s participation in Horizon Europe, and for deeper global research engagement.”

Australia will associate to Pillar II of the Horizon Europe program for 2027, with priority areas including: health, climate and clean energy, critical technologies, critical minerals, supply chain security, advanced computing and space.

Australia announced it would begin treaty negotiations on association to Horizon Europe in March 2026. Both sides will now undertake their respective treaty-making procedures. “We are working to finalise arrangements as quickly as possible so that Australians can apply for Horizon Europe grants from early 2027,” Ayres said.

To learn more about Horizon Europe, click here.

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